Lockout Safety Tips

Problem: We’re having trouble getting employees to follow safe lockout and tagout procedures. Any suggestions?

Solution: Establish standard rules for following proper procedures and ensure everyone is aware of them. Use the following as a guideline.

1. Don’t take short cuts in an effort to do the job faster or get the machine on-line sooner. Always follow required lockout procedures.

2. Everyone working on a machine must put his or her own lock and tag on the lockout device.

3.Employees should only perform work on electrical equipment that they are trained, authorized and qualified to service.

4. If a lockout procedure is required on a piece of equipment and that employee is not qualified to do it, no matter how small the task, the employee should immediately contact a person who is authorized.

5. If an employee is qualified to perform lockout procedures, they must be aware of:

* the type and voltage of the energy to be isolated

* the proper sequence of steps to perform the lockout/tagout procedure

* the location of the written lockout plan in the plant

* the hazards related to the equipment they intend to service.

Mr. O’s thanks for these tips go to McGill Electrical Product Group, Rosemont, Ill.